THE public is set to get a behind-the-scenes look at Colchester’s military detention centre as part of a new documentary series.
The Channel 5 show, Court Martial: Soldiers Behind Bars, will dive into the UK’s only Military Correctional Training Centre (MCTC) in a three-part series airing next week.
This rare insight into the inner workings of the Military's justice system uncovers the 'unique and novel' approach to rehabilitation within the UK’s only long-term military detention facility.
The documentary follows the 156 Provost Company Royal Military Police as they tackle policing Colchester, one of the UK’s largest garrisons, assisting Essex Police in keeping the peace for military service personnel and civilians alike.
For service personnel found guilty of breaking military or civilian law, a sentence at the Military Corrective Training Centre awaits.
The documentary follows several military detainees on their rehabilitative journey, either back to their regiments or as civilians ready to contribute to society.
For the Military Provost Staff Regiment which runs the MCTC, the military offenders whom they detain today may well be their comrades in a time of war.
MCTC Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Mike Fielder said: “All of us, staff and detainees, have pledged ourselves to the service of each other and the nation.
“I believe our detainees don’t have to be defined by their offence.
“Our job is to make sure the detainees believe that too.”
Sergeant Kev McHenry of the Military Provost Staff added: “We try to harness detainees’ will to win and help them to problem solve more effectively, so that in future they can reach their full potential.”
Last year, the Gazette was given a behind-the-scenes visit to the centre to find out about the work which goes on at the centre.
Examples of offences of those inside included violent offences, fraud, not turning up for work or being disrespectful to their commanding officer.
A large amount of the individuals detained had gone AWOL - absent from their service without leave.
Episode one airs at 9pm Monday, August 14 on Channel 5, with the following two episodes aired on successive Mondays.
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